GUNPOWDER


Meaning of GUNPOWDER in English

ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ noun

Etymology: Middle English gonnepoudre, from gonne, gunne gun + poudre powder

1.

a. : a black or brown explosive consisting of an intimate mechanical mixture of potassium nitrate, charcoal, and sulfur manufactured originally as a powder and later usually in grains of various sizes for different uses and used as the first and only military propellant until the introduction of smokeless powder — see black powder , brown powder

b. : any of various powders used in guns as propelling charges

smokeless gunpowder

— compare smokeless powder

2. : gunpowder tea

Webster's New International English Dictionary.      Новый международный словарь английского языка Webster.